Welcome to the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, a living testament to military history and technological innovation, located in Everett, Washington. This museum is a journey through time, showcasing the evolution of military aviation and armored vehicles from World War II to modern times. The museum was initially founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, whose passion for aviation and history led him to begin acquiring vintage military aircraft in 1998. Allen’s vision was to preserve these rare artifacts and share them with the public, emphasizing authenticity in restoration.
Originally opened to the public in 2004 at the Arlington airfield, the collection found its permanent home in 2008 at Paine Field in Everett, Washington. Here, in three expansive hangars, visitors can explore a vast collection of military artifacts from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and the Soviet Union.
The museum underwent significant expansions in 2013 and 2018, adding new hangars and artifacts, which now include over 26 aircraft and 30 armored vehicles. Notably, the collection showcases iconic aircraft like the North American P-51D Mustang and the Supermarine Spitfire, as well as armored vehicles such as the M4A1 Sherman tank.
In 2020, the museum temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was revitalized under the stewardship of Steuart Walton in 2022, who ensured that the museum remained in Everett. Walton, a grandson of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is an aviation enthusiast himself and aims to continue Allen’s legacy of educating the public on wartime history.
The museum’s exhibits are not just static displays; they are stories waiting to be discovered. From the bravery of the ‘Night Witches’ flying Polikarpov Po-2 biplanes to the technological marvels like the Messerschmitt Me 262, each artifact tells a story of innovation, courage, and history. Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits, watch short films about significant battles such as the Battle of Britain, and even walk through a bisected tank.
The Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum is more than just a collection; it’s a place where history comes alive, offering a unique opportunity to explore the technological advancements and personal stories that shaped the world as we know it today.
